Kirby Squeak Squad

An Enjoyable DS Title

Reviewed by Mooman on May 16, 2007  |  report this review

Back in June of 2005, Nintendo published the first Kirby title for the Nintendo DS, "Kirby: Canvas Curse." Though it strayed away from the traditional Kirby platforming gameplay, the title really featured the Nintendo DS's touch screen and was a favorite among gamers. However for some, including myself, the game just couldn't cut it and a new, traditional Kirby platformer was needed. Finally, over a year later, that thirst has finally been quenched.

Developed by Flagship, who's previous work includes The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, "Kirby Squeak Squad" is your standard Kirby platforming affair. You have the ability to "suck up" your opponents and for many of the game's enemies, copy their abilities. However, Squeak Squad does something that fans of the series have been waiting for a long time for the return of: abilities have multiple attacks. Different combinations of button presses and situations allow Kirby to do different things with an ability and really makes the game more enjoyable.

Another addition to Squeak Squad is the ability to handle up to five different items and/or abilities in Kirby's stomach, which is displayed on the bottom screen and can be manipulated with the Nintendo DS's Touch Screen. You can combine different abilities in Kirby's stomach to make new ones, but usually the outcome is simply random, which is really disappointing. This feature is just one of many aspects in the title that simply aren't used to their potential.

The new additions to the basic gameplay of Squeak Squad is held together by a juvenile story. Kirby, being the poor role model to children he is, was about to chow down on some delicious cake when it gets stolen from him by King DeeDee. Instead of just getting another piece of cake, Kirby goes out on a quest to get his cake back. However, whenever Kirby gets close to the cake, it seems to change hands, going from King DeeDee to Kirby's main rivals in the game, the Squeak Squad, and a couple others, but I won't ruin that for you (not that it is jaw dropping or anything, it's Kirby for Pete's sake...).

Fortunately, the story does make that much of an impact in the title. The gameplay is simplistic and insanely easy, but is still quite entertaining. I found myself quite addicted to the title, playing it every chance I got. Like I touched on earlier, the abilities having multiple attacks is great and there is a notable sums of abilities in the game, including personal favorites like "Magic," "UFO," and "Laser."

Graphically, Kirby is quite unimpressive. The title definitely appears to be built off a GBA graphical engine. If the Castlevania titles have proved anything, it is that the DS can produced some pretty amazing 2D visuals and Kirby simply does not utilize that ability of the DS. Still, the visuals are colorful, cheery, and still nice to look at. They match the title quite nicely.

Like just about every Kirby title though, Squeak Squad is trag

so many.....

Hint by cutch14000 on February 08, 2008  |  report this hint

you have to try every possible door